Chapter TwoFirst inaugural address

by Abraham Lincoln

March 4, 1861

Fellow Citizens...

Fellow citizens of the United States: in compliance with a custom as old as the government itself, I appear before you to address you briefly and to take, in your presence, the oath prescribed by the Constitution of the United States, to be taken by the President “before he enters on the execution of his office.”¹

I do not consider it necessary, at present, for me to discuss those matters of administration about which there is no special anxiety, or excitement.

Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States that by the accession of a Republican administration, their property and their peace and personal security are to be endangered.² There has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehension. Indeed, the most ample evidence to the contrary has all the while existed and been open to their inspection. It is found in nearly all the published speeches of him who now addresses you. I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that

“I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the states where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.”

Key Words & Sentences

inaugural address (n): bài diễn văn nhậm chức

government (n): chính phủ

appear (v): xuất hiện

address (v): phát biểu

briefly (adv): một cách ngắn gọn

in one’s presence: với sự hiện diện của ai đó

take an oath (v): đọc lời tuyên thệ

prescribe (v): quy định, bắt buộc

the Constitution (n): hiến pháp

execution (n): sự thừa hành

office (n): lễ nghi

administration (n): sự điều hành, sự quản lý

apprehension (n): sự e ngại, sự lo sợ

exist (v): tồn tại

accession (n): sự nhậm chức

endanger (v): gây nguy hiểm

reasonable (adj): hợp lý

cause (n): nguyên cớ, nguyên nhân

ample (adj): phong phú

contrary (n): sự trái ngược

all the while (idiom): trong tất cả

inspection (n): sự xem xét kỹ lưỡng, sự thanh tra

publish (v): công bố

speech (n): bài diễn thuyết

quote (v): trích dẫn

declare (v): tuyên bố

purpose (n): mục đích

interfere (v): quấy rối, gây trở ngại

institution (n): thể chế

inclination (n): khuynh hướng

¹ Fellow citizens of the United States: in compliance with a custom as old as the government itself, I appear before you to address you briefly and to take, in your presence, the oath prescribed by the Constitution of the United States, to be taken by the President “before he enters on the execution of his office.”

² Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States that by the accession of a Republican administration, their property and their peace and personal security are to be endangered.

Those who nominated and elected me did so with full knowledge that I had made this and many similar declarations, and had never recanted them.¹ And, more than this, they placed in the platform for my acceptance, and as a law to themselves and to me, the clear and emphatic resolution which I now read:

“Resolved: that the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and especially the right of each State to order and control its own domestic institutions according to its own judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance of power on which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depend,² and we denounce the lawless invasion by armed force of the soil of any State or Territory, no matter under what pretext, as among the gravest of crimes.”

I now reiterate these sentiments; and, in doing so, I only press upon the public attention the most conclusive evidence of which the case is susceptible that the property, peace, and security of no section are to be in any wise endangered by the now incoming administration.³ I add, too, that all the protection which, consistently with the Constitution and the laws, can be given, will be cheerfully given to all the States when lawfully demanded, for whatever cause – as cheerfully to one section as to another.

Key Words

nominate (v): đề cử

elect (v): bầu chọn

declaration (n): sự tuyên bố

recant (adv): từ chối

acceptance (n): sự chấp thuận

emphatic (adj): dứt khoát

resolution (n): quyết định, quyết tâm

resolved (v): kiên quyết

maintenance (n): sự gìn giữ, sự duy trì

inviolate (n): không bị xâm phạm

domestic (n): quốc nội, nội địa

exclusively (adv): độc quyền

essential (adj): thiết yếu

perfection (n): sự hoàn thiện

endurance (n): sự bền lâu, sự chịu đựng

fabric (n): cơ cấu

denounce (v): tố cáo

invasion (n): cuộc xâm lược

armed force (n): lực lượng vũ trang

territory (n): lãnh thổ

pretext (n): lý do

crime (n): tội ác

reiterate (v): lặp lại, nhắc lại

sentiments (số nhiều) (n): quan điểm

conclusive (adj): để kết luận, xác định

susceptible (adj): nhạy cảm

Key Sentences

¹ Those who nominated and elected me did so with full knowledge that I had made this and many similar declarations, and had never recanted them.

² Resolved: that the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and especially the right of each State to order and control its own domestic institutions according to its own judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance of power on which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depend,

³ I now reiterate these sentiments; and, in doing so, I only press upon the public attention the most conclusive evidence of which the case is susceptible that the property, peace, and security of no section are to be in any wise endangered by the now incoming administration.

There is much controversy about the delivering up of fugitives from service or labor. The clause I now read is as plainly written in the Constitution as any other of its provisions:

“No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence of any law or regulation therein be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.”¹

It is scarcely questioned that this provision was intended by those who made it for the reclaiming of what we call fugitive slaves; and the intention of the lawgiver is the law.² All members of Congress swear their support to the whole Constitution – to this provision as much as to any other. To the proposition, then, that slaves whose cases come within the terms of this clause “shall be delivered up”, their oaths are unanimous. Now, if they would make the effort in good temper, could they not with nearly equal unanimity frame and pass a law by means of which to keep good that unanimous oath?³

Key Words

controversy (n): sự tranh cãi

deliver up (v): trả lại, giao nộp

fugitive (n): người tị nạn

clause (n): điều khoản (lớn)

provision (n): điều khoản

escape (v): trốn tránh, bỏ trốn

in consequence of: chịu hậu quả của

regulation (n): quy định

discharge (v): thải hồi, trả lại

be due to (idiom): được hưởng

reclaim (v): thu hồi

intention (n): ý định

congress (n): quốc hội

swear (v): thề

proposition (n): đề xuất, lời xác nhận

term (n): điều khoản

unanimous (adj): nhất trí

→ unanimity (n): sự nhất trí, sự thống nhất

in good temper: tình trạng tâm lý tốt

frame (n): trạng thái

Key Sentences

¹ No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence of any law or regulation therein be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.

² It is scarcely questioned that this provision was intended by those who made it for the reclaiming of what we call fugitive slaves; and the intention of the lawgiver is the law.

³ Now, if they would make the effort in good temper, could they not with nearly equal unanimity frame and pass a law by means of which to keep good that unanimous oath?

There is some difference of opinion whether this clause should be enforced by national or by State authority; but surely that difference is not a very material one.¹ If the slave is to be surrendered, it can be of but little consequence to him or to others by which authority it is done. And should any one in any case be content that his oath shall go unkept on a merely unsubstantial controversy as to HOW it shall be kept?

Again, in any law upon this subject, ought not all the safeguards of liberty known in civilized and humane jurisprudence to be introduced, so that a free man be not, in any case, surrendered as a slave? And might it not be well at the same time to provide by law for the enforcement of that clause in the Constitution which guarantees that “the citizen of each State shall be entitled to all privileged and immunities of citizens in the several States?”²

I take the official oath today with no mental reservations, and with no purpose to construe the Constitution or laws by any hypercritical rules. And while I do not choose now to specify particular acts of Congress as proper to be enforced, I do suggest that it will be much safer for all, both in official and private stations, to conform to and abide by all those acts which stand unrepealed, than to violate any of them, trusting to find impunity in having them held to be unconstitutional.³

Key Words

opinion (n): quan điểm, ý kiến

enforce (v): thực thi

authority (n): chính quyền

material (adj): quan trọng, cần thiết

surrender (v): đầu hàng

of consequence (idiom): hậu quả

unsubstantial (adj): không chắc chắn

as to: như là

safeguard (n): sự bảo vệ

civilized (adj): văn minh

humane (adj): nhân đạo

jurisprudence (n): hệ thống pháp luật

introduce (v): giới thiệu

at the same time (idiom): cùng lúc đó

entitled (v): trao quyền

privileged (adj): có đặc quyền, đặc lợi

immunity (n): sự miễn trừ

mental (adj): trí tuệ

reservation (n): sự dè dặt

construe (v): giải thích, phân tích

hypercritical (adj): phê bình quá nghiêm khắc

specify (v): chỉ định, định rõ

particular (adj): riêng

act (n): đạo luật

Key Sentences

¹ There is some difference of opinion whether this clause should be enforced by national or by State authority; but surely that difference is not a very material one.

² And might it not be well at the same time to provide by law for the enforcement of that clause in the Constitution which guarantees that “the citizen of each State shall be entitled to all privileged and immunities of citizens in the several States?”

³ And while I do not choose now to specify particular acts of Congress as proper to be enforced, I do suggest that it will be much safer for all, both in official and private stations, to conform to and abide by all those acts which stand unrepealed, than to violate any of them, trusting to find impunity in having them held to be unconstitutional.

It is seventy-two years since the first inauguration of a President under our national Constitution. During that period fifteen different and greatly distinguished citizens have, in succession, administered the executive branch of the government. They have conducted it through many perils, and generally with great success. Yet, with all this scope of precedent, I now enter upon the same task for the brief Constitutional term of four years under great and peculiar difficulty.¹ A disruption of the Federal Union, heretofore only menaced, is now formidably attempted.²

I hold that, in contemplation of universal law and of the Constitution, the Union of these States is perpetual. Perpetuity is implied, if not expressed, in the fundamental law of all national governments. It is safe to assert that no government proper ever had a provision in its organic law for its own termination. Continue to execute all the express provisions of our National Constitution, and the Union will endure forever – it being impossible to destroy it except by some action not provided for in the instrument itself.³

Again, if the United States be not a government proper, but an association of States in the nature of contract merely, can it, as a contract, be peaceably unmade by less than all the parties who made it?⁴ One party to a contract may violate it – break it, so to speak; but does it not require all to lawfully rescind it?

Key Words

distinguished (adj): xuất sắc

in succession (n): trong sự nối tiếp nhau

administer (v): quản lý

executive (adj): điều hành

peril (n): sự nguy hiểm

scope (n): phạm vi

precedent (n): tiền lệ

enter upon (phrasal v.): nhập vào

disruption (n): sự trì trệ, tình trạng xâu xé

menace (v, n): đe dọa

formidably (adv): một cách dữ dội, kinh khủng

in contemplation of: trong suy ngẫm về

perpetual (adj): vĩnh viễn

→ perpetuity (n): sự vĩnh viễn

imply (v): ngụ ý

assert (v): khẳng định, đòi

organic (n): hệ thống

termination (n): sự chấm dứt

association (n): hiệp hội

contract (n): giao kèo

unmake (v): phá hủy

rescind (v): hủy bỏ

Key Sentences

¹ Yet, with all this scope of precedent, I now enter upon the same task for the brief Constitutional term of four years under great and peculiar difficulty.

² A disruption of the Federal Union, heretofore only menaced, is now formidably attempted.

³ Continue to execute all the express provisions of our National Constitution, and the Union will endure forever -- it being impossible to destroy it except by some action not provided for in the instrument itself.

⁴ Again, if the United States be not a government proper, but an association of States in the nature of contract merely, can it, as a contract, be peaceably unmade by less than all the parties who made it?

Descending from these general principles, we find the proposition that in legal contemplation the Union is perpetual confirmed by the history of the Union itself.¹ The Union is much older than the Constitution. It was formed, in fact, by the Articles of Association in 1774. It was matured and continued by the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It was further matured, and the faith of all the then thirteen States expressly plighted and engaged that it should be perpetual, by the Articles of Confederation in 1778.² And, finally, in 1787 one of the declared objects for ordaining and establishing the Constitution was “TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION.”

But if the destruction of the Union by one or by a part only of the States be lawfully possible, the Union is LESS perfect than before the Constitution, having lost the vital element of perpetuity.³

It follows from these views that no State upon its own mere motion can lawfully get out of the Union; that Resolves and Ordinances to that effect are legally void; and that acts of violence, within any State or States, against the authority of the United States, are insurrectionary or revolutionary, according to circumstances.⁴

Key Words

descend from (phrasal v.): được sinh ra từ

principle (n): nguyên tắc

confirm (v): xác nhận

form (v): thiết lập

mature (v): làm cho hoàn thiện

plight (v): cam kết, thề nguyền

engage (v): cam kết, hứa hẹn

object (n): mục tiêu

ordain (v): ban hành

destruction (n): sự tiêu hủy

vital (adj): quan trọng

element (n): phần tử, thành phần

view (n): quan điểm

mere (adj): chỉ là

motion (n): sự kiến nghị

resolve (n): quyết định

ordinance (n): sắc lệnh

effect (n): hiệu lực

void (adj): mất hiệu lực

insurrectionary (adj): nổi dậy khởi nghĩa

revolutionary (adj): cách mạng

circumstance (n): tình huống, hoàn cảnh

Key Sentences

¹ Descending from these general principles, we find the proposition that in legal contemplation the Union is perpetual confirmed by the history of the Union itself.

² It was further matured, and the faith of all the then thirteen States expressly plighted and engaged that it should be perpetual, by the Articles of Confederation in 1778.

³ But if the destruction of the Union by one or by a part only of the States be lawfully possible, the Union is LESS perfect than before the Constitution, having lost the vital element of perpetuity.

⁴ It follows from these views that no State upon its own mere motion can lawfully get out of the Union; that Resolves and Ordinances to that effect are legally void; and that acts of violence, within any State or States, against the authority of the United States, are insurrectionary or revolutionary, according to circumstances.

I therefore consider that, in view of the Constitution and the laws, the Union is unbroken; and to the extent of my ability I shall take care, as the Constitution itself expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all the States.¹ Doing this I deem to be only a simple duty on my part; and I shall perform it so far as practicable, unless my rightful masters, the American people, shall withhold the requisite means, or in some authoritative manner direct the contrary.² I trust this will not be regarded as a menace, but only as the declared purpose of the Union that it WILL Constitutionally defend and maintain itself.

In doing this, there needs to be no bloodshed or violence; and there shall be none, unless it be forced upon the national authority.³ The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places belonging to the government, and to collect the duties and imposts; but beyond what may be necessary for these objects, there will be no invasion, no using of force against or among the people anywhere. Where hostility to the United States, in any interior locality, shall be so great and universal as to prevent competent resident citizens from holding the Federal offices, there will be no attempt to force obnoxious strangers among the people for that object.⁴

Key Words

to the extent of (idiom): trong phạm vi của

enjoin (v): bắt ép, ra chỉ thị

deem (v): tưởng rằng, cho là

on one’s part: thuộc một phần của ai

so far as: cho đến khi

practicable (adj): có thể thực hiện

rightful (adj): hợp pháp

withhold (v): giữ lại

requisite (adj): cần thiết

mean (n): biện pháp, cách thức

authoritative (adj): có thẩm quyền

direct (v): ra lệnh, chỉ thị

regard A as B (v): đánh giá A như B

bloodshed (n): sự đổ máu

force (v): cưỡng bức, ép buộc

confide A to B (v): phó thác giao A cho B

occupy (v): chiếm

possess (v): sở hữu

property (n): đất đai, nhà cửa

duty (n): trách nhiệm, thuế

impost (n): thuế

invasion (n): cuộc xâm lược

hostility (n): sự thù địch, sự chống đối (về tư tưởng)

interior (n): nội địa

locality (n): vị trí, khu vực xảy ra sự việc

competent (n): có thẩm quyền

resident (adj): cư trú

obnoxious (adj): khó chịu

Key Sentences

¹ I therefore consider that, in view of the Constitution and the laws, the Union is unbroken; and to the extent of my ability I shall take care, as the Constitution itself expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all the States.

² Doing this I deem to be only a simple duty on my part; and I shall perform it so far as practicable, unless my rightful masters, the American people, shall withhold the requisite means, or in some authoritative manner direct the contrary.

³ In doing this, there needs to be no bloodshed or violence; and there shall be none, unless it be forced upon the national authority.

⁴ Where hostility to the United States, in any interior locality, shall be so great and universal as to prevent competent resident citizens from holding the Feberal offices, there will be no attempt to force obnoxious strangers among the people for that object.

While the strict legal right may exist in the government to enforce the exercise of these offices, the attempt to do so would be so irritating, and so nearly impracticable withal, that I deem it better to forego for the time the uses of such offices.¹

The mails, unless repelled, will continue to be furnished in all parts of the Union. So far as possible, the people everywhere shall have that sense of perfect security which is most favorable to calm thought and reflection. The course here indicated will be followed unless current events and experience shall show a modification or change to be proper, and in every case and exigency my best discretion will be exercised according to circumstances actually existing, and with a view and a hope of a peaceful solution of the national troubles and the restoration of fraternal sympathies and affections.²

Key Words

strict (adj): nghiêm ngặt

exercise (n): sự thực hiện

irritating (adj): kích thích

impracticable (adj): không thể thực hiện

withal (adv): hơn nữa

forego (v): đi trước

for the time: trong lúc này

repel (v): đẩy lùi

furnish (v): cung cấp, trang bị

security (n): sự an toàn

favorable (adj): thuận tiện

reflection (n): sự nhận xét

course (n): tiến trình

indicate (v): chỉ ra

current (adj): hiện tại

modification (n): sự sửa đổi

exigency (n): tình trạng khẩn cấp

discretion (n): theo quyết định

with a view of: với quan điểm về

restoration (n): sự phục hồi

fraternal (adj): như anh em

sympathy (n): sự đồng cảm

affection (n): tình cảm

Key Sentences

¹ While the strict legal right may exist in the government to enforce the exercise of these offices, the attempt to do so would be so irritating, and so nearly impracticable withal, that I deem it better to forego for the time the uses of such offices.

² The course here indicated will be followed unless current events and experience shall show a modification or change to be proper, and in every case and exigency my best discretion will be exercised according to circumstances actually existing, and with a view and a hope of a peaceful solution of the national troubles and the restoration of fraternal sympathies and affections.

That there are persons in one section or another who seek to destroy the Union at all events, and are glad of any pretext to do it, I will neither affirm nor deny; but if there be such, I need address no word to them. To those, however, who really love the Union may I not speak?

Before entering upon so grave a matter as the destruction of our national fabric, with all its benefits, its memories, and its hopes, would it not be wise to ascertain precisely why we do it?¹ Will you hazard so desperate a step while there is any possibility that any portion of the ills you fly from have no real existence? Will you, while the certain ills you fly to are greater than all the real ones you fly from – will you risk the commission of so fearful a mistake?²

All profess to be content in the Union if all Constitutional rights can be maintained.³ Is it true, then, that any right, plainly written in the Constitution, has been denied? I think not. Happily the human mind is so constituted that no party can reach to the audacity of doing this. Think, if you can, of a single instance in which a plainly written provision of the Constitution has ever been denied. If by the mere force of numbers a majority should deprive a minority of any clearly written Constitutional right, it might, in a moral point of view, justify revolution – certainly would if such a right were a vital one.4 But such is not our case.

Key Words

affirm (v): khẳng định

→ affirmation (n): sự khẳng định

deny (v): từ chối

grave (adj): trang nghiêm, nghiêm nghị

benefit (n): lợi ích

ascertain (v): xác nhận

precisely (adv): một cách chính xác

hazard (v): mạo hiểm

desperate (adj): liều mạng

portion (n): phần

ills (n): những yếu kém

existence (n): sự tồn tại

risk (v): liều mạng, gặp nguy hiểm

commission (n): sự ủy nhiệm

fearful (adj): lo sợ

profess (v): tuyên bố

plainly (adv): thẳng thắn, không quanh co

constitute (v): tạo thành

audacity (n): sự bạo dạn

instance (n): thí dụ, trường hợp

majority (n): đa số, phần đông

deprive A of B (v): lấy đi, tước đoạt

minority (n): phần ít, thiểu số

moral (adj): đạo đức, phẩm hạnh

justify (v): khẳng định

revolution (n): cuộc cách mạng

Key Sentences

¹ Before entering upon so grave a matter as the destruction of our national fabric, with all its benefits, its memories, and its hopes, would it not be wise to ascertain precisely why we do it?

² Will you, while the certain ills you fly to are greater than all the real ones you fly from -- will you risk the commission of so fearful a mistake?

³ All profess to be content in the Union if all Constitutional rights can be maintained.

⁴ If by the mere force of numbers a majority should deprive a minority of any clearly written Constitutional right, it might, in a moral point of view, justify revolution – certainly would if such a right were a vital one.

All the vital rights of minorities and of individuals are so plainly assured to them by affirmations and negations, guaranties and prohibitions, in the Constitution, that controversies never arise concerning them.¹But no organic law can ever be framed with a provision specifically applicable to every question which may occur in practical administration. No foresight can anticipate, nor any document of reasonable length contain, express provisions for all possible questions.² Shall fugitives from labor be surrendered by national or State authority? The Constitution does not expressly say. May Congress prohibit slavery in the Territories? The Constitution does not expressly say. MUST Congress protect slavery in the Territories? The Constitution does not expressly say.

From questions of this class spring all our constitutional controversies, and we divide upon them into majorities and minorities. If the minority will not acquiesce, the majority must, or the government must cease. There is no other alternative; for continuing the government is acquiescence on one side or the other.³

If a minority in such case will secede rather than acquiesce, they make a precedent which in turn will divide and ruin them; for a minority of their own will secede from them whenever a majority refuses to be controlled by such minority.⁴ For instance, why may not any portion of a new confederacy a year or two hence arbitrarily secede again, precisely as portions of the present Union now claim to secede from it? All who cherish disunion sentiments are now being educated to the exact temper of doing this.

Key Words

negation (n): sự phủ định

prohibit (v): cấm

→ prohibition (n): sự cấm đoán

concerning (adj): ái ngại, lo lắng

specifically (adv): một cách cụ thể

applicable (v): có thể áp dụng được

foresight (n): sự lo trước, nhìn thấy trước tương lai

anticipate (v): dự đoán

contain (n): thành phần

spring (n): nguồn gốc, căn nguyên

divide (v): chia hai phe

acquiesce (v): bằng lòng

cease (v): ngừng

alternative (n): sự thay thế

acquiescence (n): sự phục tùng

secede (v): ly khai

→ secession (n): sự ly khai

confederacy (n): liên minh

arbitrarily (adv): chuyên quyền, độc đoán

cherish (v): ấp ủ

disunion (n): sự bất hòa, sự không thống nhất­

Key Sentences

¹ All the vital rights of minorities and of individuals are so plainly assured to them by affirmations and negations, guaranties and prohibitions, in the Constitution, that controversies never arise concerning them.

² No foresight can anticipate, nor any document of reasonable length contain, express provisions for all possible questions.

³ There is no other alternative; for continuing the government is acquiescence on one side or the other.

⁴ If a minority in such case will secede rather than acquiesce, they make a precedent which in turn will divide and ruin them; for a minority of their own will secede from them whenever a majority refuses to be controlled by such minority.

Is there such perfect identity of interests among the States to compose a new Union, as to produce harmony only, and prevent renewed secession?¹

Plainly, the central idea of secession is the essence of anarchy. A majority held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations, and always changing easily with deliberate changes of popular opinions and sentiments, is the only true sovereign of a free people.² Whoever rejects it does, of necessity, fly to anarchy or to despotism. Unanimity is impossible; the rule of a minority, as a permanent arrangement, is wholly inadmissible; so that, rejecting the majority principle, anarchy or despotism in some form is all that is left.

I do not forget the position, assumed by some, that Constitutional questions are to be decided by the Supreme Court;³ nor do I deny that such decisions must be binding, in any case, upon the parties to a suit, as to the object of that suit, while they are also entitled to very high respect and consideration in all parallel cases by all other departments of the government. And while it is obviously possible that such decision may be erroneous in any given case, still the evil effect following it, being limited to that particular case, with the chance that it may be overruled and never become a precedent for other cases, can better be borne than could the evils of a different practice.⁴

Key Words

identity (n): sự đồng nhất

compose (v): tạo nên, soạn nên

anarchy (n): tình trạng hỗn loạn, tình trạng vô chính phủ

restraint (n): sự kiềm chế

limitation (n): giới hạn

deliberate (adj): có tính toán, có chủ tâm

sovereign (n): chủ quyền

reject (v): từ chối

despotism (n): chế độ bạo lực

inadmissible (adj): không thể thừa nhận

the Supreme Court (n): tòa án tối cao

bind upon (v): ràng buộc theo

suit (n): lời yêu cầu

consideration (n): sự cân nhắc, sự suy xét

parallel (adj): tương tự

erroneous (adj): sai lầm

overrule (v): bãi bỏ, thủ tiêu

Key Sentences

¹ Is there such perfect identity of interests among the States to compose a new Union, as to produce harmony only, and prevent renewed secession?

² A majority held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations, and always changing easily with deliberate changes of popular opinions and sentiments, is the only true sovereign of a free people.

³ I do not forget the position, assumed by some, that Constitutional questions are to be decided by the Supreme Court;

⁴ And while it is obviously possible that such decision may be erroneous in any given case, still the evil effect following it, being limited to that particular case, with the chance that it may be overruled and never become a precedent for other cases, can better be borne than could the evils of a different practice.

At the same time, the candid citizen must confess that if the policy of the government, upon vital questions affecting the whole people, is to be irrevocably fixed by decisions of the Supreme Court, the instant they are made, in ordinary litigation between parties in personal actions, the people will have ceased to be their own rulers, having to that extent practically resigned their government into the hands of that eminent tribunal.¹ Nor is there in this view any assault upon the court or the judges. It is a duty from which they may not shrink to decide cases properly brought before them, and it is no fault of theirs if others seek to turn their decisions to political purposes.²

One section of our country believes slavery is RIGHT, and ought to be extended, while the other believes it is WRONG, and ought not to be extended.³ This is the only substantial dispute. The fugitive-slave clause of the Constitution, and the law for the suppression of the foreign slave-trade, are each as well enforced, perhaps, as any law can ever be in a community where the moral sense of the people imperfectly supports the law itself.⁴ The great body of the people abide by the dry legal obligation in both cases, and a few break over in each. This, I think, cannot be perfectly cured; and it would be worse in both cases AFTER the separation of the sections than BEFORE.

The foreign slave-trade, now imperfectly suppressed, would be ultimately revived, without restriction, in one section, while fugitive slaves, now only partially surrendered, would not be surrendered at all by the other.

Key Words

candid (adj): thật thà, ngay thẳng, vô tư

confess (v): thú nhận

affect (v): ảnh hưởng

irrevocably (adv): một cách

không thể thay đổi

fix (v): cố định

instant (n): chốc lát, ngay lập tức

litigation (n): sự kiện tụng, sự tranh chấp

to that extend: để kéo dài ra

resign (v): trao, nhường

eminent (adj): tối cao

tribunal (n): tòa án

assault (v): công kích, tấn công

shrink (v): lưỡng lự

extend (v): kéo dài, gia hạn

substantial (adj): đáng kể

dispute (n): cuộc tranh chấp

suppression (n): sự đàn áp

imperfectly (adv): một cách dở dang, thiếu sót

obligation (n): nghĩa vụ

break (n): sự gián đoạn

separation (n): tình trạng bị ngăn cách

suppress (v): triệt khử

ultimately (adv): cuối cùng, sau chót

revive (v): hồi sinh

restriction (n): sự hạn chế

partially (adv): một phần

Key Sentences

¹ At the same time, the candid citizen must confess that if the policy of the government, upon vital questions affecting the whole people, is to be irrevocably fixed by decisions of the Supreme Court, the instant they are made, in ordinary litigation between parties in personal actions, the people will have ceased to be their own rulers, having to that extent practically resigned their government into the hands of that eminent tribunal.

² It is a duty from which they may not shrink to decide cases properly brought before them, and it is no fault of theirs if others seek to turn their decisions to political purposes.

³ One section of our country believes slavery is RIGHT, and ought to be extended, while the other believes it is WRONG, and ought not to be extended.

⁴ The fugitive-slave clause of the Constitution, and the law for the suppression of the foreign slave-trade, are each as well enforced, perhaps, as any law can ever be in a community where the moral sense of the people imperfectly supports the law itself.

Physically speaking, we cannot separate. We cannot remove our respective sections from each other, nor build an impassable wall between them.¹ A husband and wife may be divorced, and go out of the presence and beyond the reach of each other; but the different parts of our country cannot do this.

They cannot but remain face to face, and intercourse, either amicable or hostile, must continue between them. Is it possible, then, to make that intercourse more advantageous or more satisfactory after separation than before? Can aliens make treaties easier than friends can make laws? Can treaties be more faithfully enforced between aliens than laws can among friends? Suppose you go to war, you cannot fight always; and when, after much loss on both sides, and no gain on either, you cease fighting, the identical old questions as to terms of intercourse are again upon you.²

This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their CONSTITUTIONAL right of amending it, or their REVOLUTIONARY right to dismember or overthrow it.³

Key Words

respective (adj): riêng, tương ứng

impassable (adj): không thể vượt qua

the presence (n): sự hiện diện

cannot but + do sth (idiom): không thể không làm gì đó

intercourse (v): đối chấp

amicable (adj): thân thiện

hostile (adj): chống đối, không thân thiện

advantageous (adj): thuận lợi

satisfactory (adj): hài lòng

alien (n): người nước ngoài

treaty (n): hiệp ước, sự thỏa thuận

loss (n): mất

gain (n): lợi lộc, lợi ích

identical (adj): giống hệt

inhabit (v): sinh sống

weary (n): không quan tâm đến, không còn hứng thú với

amend (v): sửa đổi

dismember (v): chia cắt

overthrow (v): lật đổ

Key Sentences

¹ We cannot remove our respective sections from each other, nor build an impassable wall between them.

² Suppose you go to war, you cannot fight always; and when, after much loss on both sides, and no gain on either, you cease fighting, the identical old questions as to terms of intercourse are again upon you.

³ Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their CONSTITUTIONAL right of amending it, or their REVOLUTIONARY right to dismember or overthrow it.

I cannot be ignorant of the fact that many worthy and patriotic citizens are desirous of having the national Constitution amended. While I make no recommendation of amendments, I fully recognize the rightful authority of the people over the whole subject, to be exercised in either of the modes prescribed in the instrument itself; and I should, under existing circumstances, favor rather than oppose a fair opportunity being afforded the people to act upon it. I will venture to add that to me the convention mode seems preferable, in that it allows amendments to originate with the people themselves, instead of only permitting them to take or reject propositions originated by others not especially chosen for the purpose, and which might not be precisely such as they would wish to either accept or refuse.¹ I understand a proposed amendment to the Constitution–which amendment, however, I have not seen–has passed Congress, to the effect that the Federal Government shall never interfere with the domestic institutions of the States, including that of persons held to service. To avoid misconstruction of what I have said, I depart from my purpose not to speak of particular amendments so far as to say that, holding such a provision to now be implied Constitutional law, I have no objection to its being made express and irrevocable.²

The chief magistrate derives all his authority from the people, and they have conferred none upon him to fix terms for the separation of the states.³ The people themselves can do this also if they choose; but the executive, as such, has nothing to do with it. His duty is to administer the present government, as it came to his hands, and to transmit it, unimpaired by him, to his successor.

Key Words & Key Sentences

ignorant of (v): không biết gì về

patriotic (adj): yêu nước

desirous of (v): mong muốn

recommendation (n): khuyến nghị, đề xuất

recognize (v): nhận ra

favor (v): ủng hộ

oppose (v): phản đối

afford (v): có đủ khả năng, có thể

act upon (v): hành động theo

venture to (v): liên minh

convention (n): quy ước

preferable (adj): phù hợp hơn

originate (v): bắt đầu

permit A to (v): cho phép A làm gì

misconstruction (n): sự hiểu lầm

depart from (v): đi trệch

objection (n): sự phản đối, sự chống lại

the chief magistrate (n): thẩm phán trưởng

derive A from B (v): nhận/lấy được A từ B

confer A upon B (v): hỏi A về B

transmit (v): truyền, phát

unimpaired (adj): không hư hỏng, nguyên vẹn

successor (n): người kế vị

¹ I will venture to add that to me the convention mode seems preferable, in that it allows amendments to originate with the people themselves, instead of only permitting them to take or reject propositions originated by others not especially chosen for the purpose, and which might not be precisely such as they would wish to either accept or refuse.

² To avoid misconstruction of what I have said, I depart from my purpose not to speak of particular amendments so far as to say that, holding such a provision to now be implied Constitutional law, I have no objection to its being made express and irrevocable.

³ The chief magistrate derives all his authority from the people, and they have conferred none upon him to fix terms for the separation of the states.

Why should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world? In our present differences is either party without faith of being in the right? If the Almighty Ruler of Nations, with his eternal truth and justice, be on your side of the North, or on yours of the South, that truth and that justice will surely prevail, by the judgment of this great tribunal, the American people.¹

By the frame of the government under which we live, this same people have wisely given their public servants but little power for mischief; and have, with equal wisdom, provided for the return of that little to their own hands at very short intervals. While the people retain their virtue and vigilance, no administration, by any extreme of wickedness or folly, can very seriously injure the government in the short space of four years.²

My countrymen, one and all, think calmly and WELL upon this whole subject. Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time. If there be an object to HURRY any of you in hot haste to a step which you would never take DELIBERATELY, that object will be frustrated by taking time; but no good object can be frustrated by it.³

Key Words

confidence (n): sự tin tưởng

eternal (adj): bất diệt, vĩnh viễn

prevail (v): chiếm ưu thế

public servant (n): công chức

mischief (n): sự ranh mãnh

wisdom (n): sự suy xét, sự thông thái

interval (n): khoảng

retain (v): giữ lại

virtue (n): phẩm chất

vigilance (n): sự thận trọng

wickedness (n): tính độc ác

folly (n): tính dại dột

one and all: tất cả không trừ một ai

valuable (adj): có giá trị

in hot haste (idiom): trong sự vội vàng

deliberately (adv): thận trọng

frustrated (adj): nản lòng, nản chí

Key Sentences

¹ If the Almighty Ruler of Nations, with his eternal truth and justice, be on your side of the North, or on yours of the South, that truth and that justice will surely prevail, by the judgment of this great tribunal, the American people.

² While the people retain their virtue and vigilance, no administration, by any extreme of wickedness or folly, can very seriously injure the government in the short space of four years.

³ If there be an object to HURRY any of you in hot haste to a step which you would never take DELIBERATELY, that object will be frustrated by taking time; but no good object can be frustrated by it.

Such of you as are now dissatisfied, still have the old Constitution unimpaired, and, on the sensitive point, the laws of your own framing under it; while the new administration will have no immediate power, if it would, to change either. If it were admitted that you who are dissatisfied hold the right side in the dispute, there still is no single good reason for precipitate action. Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulty.¹

In YOUR hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in MINE, is the momentous issue of civil war.² The government will not assail YOU. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. YOU have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the government, while I shall have the most solemn one to “preserve, protect, and defend it.”³

I am loathe to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.

Key Words

sensitive (adj): nhạy cảm

dissatisfied (adj): không hài lòng

precipitate (adj): hấp tấp, vội vàng

intelligence (n): sự thông minh

reliance on (v): dựa vào

forsake (v): bỏ rơi, từ bỏ

favored (adj): được hưởng ân huệ

competent (v): có đủ khả năng

momentous (adj): quan trọng, trọngyếu

assail (v): công kích

conflict (v): xung đột

aggressor (n): kẻ gây sự

loathe (v): ghê tởm, kinh tởm

strain (v): gây căng thẳng

mystic (adj): thần bí

stretch (v): lợi dụng

hearthstone (n): đá lát lò sưởi

swell (v): làm tăng lên

Key Sentences

¹ Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulty.

² In YOUR hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in MINE, is the momentous issue of civil war.

³ YOU have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the government, while I shall have the most solemn one to “preserve, protect, and defend it.”

Second Inaugural Address

by Abraham Lincoln

March 4, 1865

Fellow Countrymen;

At this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued, seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention, and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented.¹ The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.

On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it – all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war – seeking to dissolve the Union, and divide effects, by negotiation.²

Key Words

statement (n): lời tuyên bố

in detail (n): cụ thể

fitting (adj): đúng, phù hợp

expiration (n): hết hạn

constantly (adv): một cách thường xuyên

phase (n): giai đoạn, thời kỳ

engross (v): chiếm vai trò chủ yếu

reasonably (adv): một cách hợp lý

prediction (n): dự đoán

in regard to: đối với

corresponding to (adj): tương ứng với

impending (adj): sắp xảy ra

avert (v): ngăn chặn

devote (v): hiến dâng, cống hiến

insurgent (v): nổi loạn

agent (n): tay sai, bộ hạ

dissolve (v): tan rã

negotiation (n): sự đàm phán, sự thương lượng

Key Sentences

¹ Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention, and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented.

² All dreaded it -- all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war -- seeking to dissolve the Union, and divide effects, by negotiation.

Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish.¹ And the war came.

One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war; while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it.² Neither party expected for the war, the magnitude, or the duration, which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease.³ Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other.

Key Words

deprecate (v): phản đối

perish (v): diệt vong

population (n): dân số

distributed (v): được phân tán

localize (v): khoanh vùng

peculiar (n): kỳ lạ, khác thường

perpetuate (v): làm cho bất diệt

rend (v): chia rẽ

restrict (v): giới hạn

territorial (adj): thuộc về lãnh thổ

enlargement (n): việc mở rộng

magnitude (n): tầm rộng lớn

duration (n): khoảng thời gian

attain (v): đạt được, giành được

astounding (adj): đáng kinh ngạc

invoke (v): cầu khẩn

Key Sentences

¹ Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish.

² To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war; while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it.

³ Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease.

It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God’s assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces;¹ but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully.

The Almighty has his own purposes. “Woe unto the world because of offences; for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him?² Fondly do we hope – fervently do we pray – that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bondman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said “the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether.”³

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan – to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.

Key Words

assistance (n): sự phù hộ, sự hỗ trợ̣

wring (n): sự siết chặt

sweat (n): mồ hôi

woe (n): nỗi đau buồn, sự đau khổ

offence (n): sự tấn công

providence (n): sự tạo hóa

appoint (v): chỉ ra

remove (v): xóa bỏ, loại bỏ

discern (v): thấy rõ

due to (conj): tại

departure (n): sự chuyển hướng

attribute (n): vật tượng trưng

ascribe A to B (v): gán A với B

fervently (adv): một cách nồng nhiệt,

nhiệt thành

scourge (n): tai họa

unrequited (adj): không được

trả công, không được đền đáp

lash (n): dây da roi

malice (n): tính hiểm độc, ác tâm

firmness (n): sự vững chắc,

sự kiên quyết

strive (v): phấn đấu

Key Sentences

¹ It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God’s assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces;

² If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him?

³ Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bondman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said “the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether.”

Understanding the Speech

What are the social and historical background behind world-famous speeches? Knowing them will be helpful to understanding each speech.

Slavery and the Civil War

President Abraham Lincoln presided over the most dangerous and difficult time in American history since the American Revolution. The Civil War raged for four years between 1861 and 1865. Slavery was one of the leading causes for this war. Lincoln refers to the issue of slavery several times in both of his inaugural speeches as central to the divide between the southern and northern states.

The South needed it to preserve their economic, social, and political structure. Agriculture, especially the cultivation of cotton, was the base of the southern economy. The industrial north did not have slavery, and northerners increasingly saw it as an evil system. In addition, there were more whites in the North, so they were able to vote their own politicians from the Republican party into national government.

Lincoln tried to calm the Southerners’ fears when he gave his first inaugural speech. He said that the Republican victory did not mean that southerners should fear for “their property, peace, and personal security.” However, seven southern states formed a new nation, “The Confederate States of America.” Shortly after Lincoln’s speech, other southern states joined the confederacy. The Civil War began. By the time Lincoln gave his second inaugural speech, this terrible war was almost over. Instead of boasting about the north’s victory, Lincoln tried to heal the wounds of the divided nation. One month later, he was assassinated by a southerner.

preside (v): đứng đầu, nắm quyền tối cao

rage (v): diễn ra ác liệt

divided (adj): bị chia cắt

preserve (v): bảo vệ

cultivation (n): trồng trọt

boast (n): kiêu hãnh

heal (v): hàn gắn

assassinate (v): bị ám sát